The Immortal Ascension

Chapter 19: Clash in the Jianghu

"Senior Brother Han, you really are oblivious to the outside world, aren’t you? How could you not know about such a big event? Even if you were in seclusion, your master should have mentioned it to you." Xiao Suanpan's tone seemed to carry a hint of suspicion again.

Without a word, Han Li swiftly took out a waist token from his person and handed it to Xiao Suanpan.

"Senior Brother Han, what are you doing? How could I not trust you! I felt a sense of familiarity the moment I saw you. We must have met before, haha!" He quickly glanced at the token with the corner of his eye, confirmed it was genuine, and immediately put on a smile.

"Can you tell me now?" Han Li was still concerned about the question he had just asked.

"Of course, of course."

"Damn, I might have offended this guy in front of me," Xiao Suanpan muttered in his heart, but he obediently spilled everything.

It turned out that in recent years, the conflict between the Seven Mysteries Sect and the Wild Wolf Gang had intensified. Both sides had fought over a dozen battles, large and small, for a few wealthy towns of unclear ownership, resulting in significant losses on both sides. The members of the Wild Wolf Gang were trained using the methods of bandits, and each of them fought like madmen, becoming even more frenzied at the sight of blood. On the other hand, although the disciples of the Seven Mysteries Sect were more skilled in martial arts, they lacked that ferocity and often hesitated in battle. As a result, the casualties were usually heavier on the latter side. After several consecutive battles, the higher-ups of the Seven Mysteries Sect could no longer sit idly by and sent out most of their Inner Sect Disciples to participate in the ongoing clashes. On one hand, these territories absolutely could not be lost, and on the other, it was an opportunity for the disciples to experience the cruelty of the Jianghu, to temper themselves, and to gain practical combat experience.

In the subsequent battles, the Seven Mysteries Sect regained the upper hand, but the number of Inner Sect Disciples killed or injured was still too high. Many of the older Senior Brothers who went out never returned. At this point, Xiao Suanpan also sighed deeply.

Later, the Sect Leaders changed their strategy. They had the Inner Sect Disciples first undertake less critical missions to gain experience in other places. After accumulating some Jianghu experience, they would then participate in the battles against the Wild Wolf Gang. This approach indeed reduced the casualties significantly. As a result, this strategy was formally incorporated into the sect's rules in the past two years, requiring all disciples to go down the mountain for training after completing their studies. Only after returning could they be granted official positions within the sect.

Thus, most of the older Senior Brothers on the mountain were sent down, either to engage with the Wild Wolf Gang or to participate in training. Apart from the necessary mountain-guarding disciples, only these younger disciples who had not yet completed their studies remained on the mountain.

Hearing this, Han Li finally understood the reason why the mountain seemed so different from before.

"Clang!" A loud sound echoed as a soft sword flew into the air.

Zhao Ziling, pressing his right hand, which had been injured by the shock, against his left, paled and took several steps back, gasping for breath.

He had just been caught off guard by Senior Apprentice Li's rapid series of saber strikes and was forced to block with his soft sword. The immense force transmitted through the saber sent his weapon flying.

"Senior Apprentice Li, you are truly formidable. I admit defeat," Zhao Ziling forced a smile and bowed.

Cheers erupted all around.

"Senior Apprentice Li, what impressive skills!""Senior Apprentice Li, what impressive saber skills!"

"Senior Apprentice Li, please give me some guidance!"

One after another, eager voices rang out across the field, all directed at their idol.

Senior Apprentice Li sheathed his long saber, a faint blush appearing on his face. He was about to say something when suddenly, his expression changed, and he frowned as if remembering something important.

With a cool demeanor, he clasped his fists and said, "I have some urgent matters to attend to, so I must take my leave now."

With a swift turn, he gracefully drifted out of the field, displaying his elegant lightness skill, and disappeared into the pine forest by the cliff.

"Tsk tsk! Senior Apprentice Li not only has superb saber skills, but his lightness skill is also remarkable."

"Indeed!"

"Indeed!"

Once again, praises filled the air.

Han Li furrowed his brow. This Senior Apprentice Li's skills were indeed impressive, but he seemed a bit too fond of showing off, perhaps a bit too youthful and brash.

He then reflected on himself and couldn't help but smile wryly. He wasn't much older than these people, yet his thoughts always seemed so old-fashioned, as if he were already a little old man. It seemed that practicing that chant had aged his mindset entirely.

"Junior Brother, I still don't know your name," Han Li suddenly asked, glancing at the young man standing beside him.

"My name is Jin Dong Bao, but Senior Brother Han can just call me Little Abacus," Jin Dong Bao replied excitedly, clearly feeling that he had found a reliable ally in Han Li.

"If you ever get sick or injured, just come to me. I'll treat you for free," Han Li said, patting his shoulder. He then glanced at the crowd in the field, who were once again in dispute, and without looking back, he walked into the nearby pine forest.

Left behind, Jin Dong Bao stood there in a daze, momentarily puzzled by what Han Li had meant.

(End of Chapter)